"Terrible Tommy" O'Connor and his infamous escape from Cook County Jail

Chicago Tribune

A group of assistant states attorneys gather for their first and last look at the Cook County Jail gallows as the county prepares to destroy the contraption on June 17, 1977. The gallows were saved in case "Terrible Tommy" O'Connor, who escaped before his execution, was ever apprehended.

A group of assistant states attorneys gather for their first and last look at the Cook County Jail gallows as the county prepares to destroy the contraption on June 17, 1977. The gallows were saved in case "Terrible Tommy" O'Connor, who escaped before his execution, was ever apprehended. (Chicago Tribune)

Thomas "Terrible Tommy" O'Connor was caught in St. Paul, Minn. and then extradited to Chicago, Ill. on July 30, 1921. O'Connor then escaped from jail on Dec. 11, 1921, just days before he was to be hanged for murder.

Thomas "Terrible Tommy" O'Connor was caught in St. Paul, Minn. and then extradited to Chicago, Ill. on July 30, 1921. O'Connor then escaped from jail on Dec. 11, 1921, just days before he was to be hanged for murder. (Chicago Tribune historic photo)

Tommy O'Connor was a bad man, a cold-blooded killer who was convicted of murdering a police officer and likely shot dead at least two others, including his best friend. That's why they called him "Terrible Tommy."